NEW CHARLEYONG BRIDGE A STEP CLOSER

An important milestone for the Charleyong Bridge replacement project has been achieved, with the tender awarded to build the new structure across the Mongarlowe River at Charleyong, north of Braidwood in New South Wales.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the new $18.5 million Charleyong Bridge would increase safety for the Marlowe community and improve freight access.

“The new bridge will be safer than the structure it replaces, with a 100 kilometre-an-hour speed limit and wider design making it suitable for vehicles with a higher load limit,” Mr McCormack said.

NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the bridge, located on Main Road 92, was an important regional link for goods, quarried material and stock between Nowra, Braidwood and Canberra.

“This is a vital connection for local industries and this upgrade will keep traffic moving at all times of the year, which is a really positive outcome for our economy,” Mr Barilaro said.

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said Roads and Maritime Services awarded the tender for major work on the new Charleyong Bridge to SRG Civil.

“The new bridge will provide access for higher mass limit vehicles meaning less trucks on the road ensuring easier, faster and safer journeys for all road users,” Mrs Pavey said.

Liberal Senator for NSW Jim Molan said the existing Allan truss timber bridge opened in 1901 would be removed once the new bridge is complete.

“Suitable timber from the existing bridge will be recycled and used in the maintenance of other timber truss bridges – a great result for the environment,” Senator Molan said.

Early work on the road approaches to the bridge began in July and is being carried out by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.

The community will be kept informed about the start of major work and further progress as the project is delivered.

The new bridge is expected to be opened in 2020, weather permitting.

The Australian Government has committed $5 million to the $23 million project under the Bridges Renewal Program, with the NSW Government providing the remaining $18 million.